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Foxcatcher, today’s big film, is well worth catching, even if you have to opt for the repeat screening – and not just for the chance to see an extraordinary performance by Steve Carell in a role that is neither comic nor dorky. He plays John E du Pont, scion of one of America’s richest families, who is determined to make his mark on American sports by providing lavish support and training facilities for Olympic wrestling champ Mark Schulz, played by Channing Tatum.
The relationship between the two men – and both their relationships with Mark’s brother Dave (Mark Ruffalo) – become gradually more strained. Director Bennett Miller shies away from any homoerotic suggestions, but there are certainly some weird mindgames going on, leading up to the film’s tragic finale. All the characters are based on real life; the wrestling scenes are not in any sense cheated; and the whole testosterone-charged saga would seem unbelievable if it hadn’t actually happened. Sienna Miller and Vanessa Redgrave are memorable in support. And director Miller will be doing a Screentalk tomorrow (Friday October 17) at BFI Southbank.
Foxcatcher, Odeon Leicester Square, Thu Oct 16, 7.15pm; also Fri Oct 17, Odeon West End, 12pm, bfi.org.uk/lff
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